Singer who shot to fame with operatic busking performances releases single

Finlay, 20, who won hearts on streets of city, records his first CD

A Tayside singer who gained fame through videos of his operatic street performances has released his first single.

Finlay McKillop received such good feedback from his busking in Dundee city centre he has unleashed his singing voice in the studio.

The 20-year-old said the four-song CD, featuring a mix of theatre and opera tracks, will also help fund his second year studies in musical theatre at the Emil Dale Academy in London.

The former Dundee High pupil’s love of singing began aged eight and he has been busking in the city since he was 14.

He said: “I decided to bring the single out, the main reason being London is so expensive and that is where I am studying.

“People always asked if I had a CD and I said no. The last few months have given me the push to finally make it.”

He describes his first times busking on the streets of Dundee as a youngster as “really scary”.

He added: “I had to have my mum standing somewhere nearby. You still sometimes get people coming up and shouting into your microphone.

“It is a terrifying experience when you actually do it. To see people are actually enjoying it gives a little push to work harder.”

He describes his singing style as inspired by musical theatre “with a tinge of opera”.

Finlay, originally from Monifieth, also performs at functions and events.

He took a gap year after finishing his studies in Dundee and spent much of it making a name for himself in the local area through busking and performing in local pubs and clubs.

In April a video of him singing Let It Be on Dundee High Street – showcased on The Courier’s Facebook page – got hundreds of shares and was seen by more than 64,000 people.

He recorded the CD at Red Barn Studios in Longforgan.

“It was my first experience recording a CD,” he added.

The single is available to buy from Birchwood Food Emporium on Commercial Street, Dundee, or by contacting Finlay.

Finlay McKillop said his first times busking in Dundee were “really scary”.